A five minute lecture of directions about the assignments (and the specifications) due for the next two classes. Questions asked by a few for clarification. Diagrams on the board of the cover sheet & the "happy staple". Oh, I did it all. I wrap up the session as I always do with "Questions? Comments? Concerns? Any suggestions for next time? No? Okay! See you all on Thursday." The class clears out. I am set to walk out the door and to my car to go home to my comfy pajamas & relax. And there he is. That student! You know the one. He sits in class and doesn't say a word. Better yet, he doesn't hear a word said either. He's standing in the hallway & as the last person leaves, he is aiming himself to come right back through the door into the classroom that he just left without paying attention or asking questions.
What is the first thing out of his mouth? "So, what do we need for Thursday?" ?!?!?!? What do you mean "what do we need"? How can you ask that NOW? So, I patiently explain to him that we just went over this & I even had a list & a diagram on the board. "Oh yeah?" is the response from the student. "Yes" I reply. "So, I need to look stuff up for this essay? About what?" AAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGG You have got to be kidding me. So I remind him that we just went over it (again) on the board & I just summarized it for him there in the doorway. "Oh yeah?" is what my ears hear again. "Yeah," I say again, "See you Thursday!" and I left him in the doorway.
This is why I become so frustrated with family and friends who want me to repeat things. I believe that I have intelligent relatives & friends. I expect them to listen the first time. Why? So that I am not having my classroom simulated in my social life.
On to better things! I had a pointless two hour session of office hours that my students have yet to utilize. But that's okay because I can sit and chat with all of my coworkers. Fun for me. And I get paid for this. Then, lunch with burnt sienna, which was interesting. I have never had a chance to sit with him & chat extensively before. Boy can he talk. I don't think I said more than 20 words in an hour. I know! I'm shocked at me too! Then it was back to the building for birthday cake for (as crau puts it) the Blessed Mary. Yummy cake was provided by our very own "Dr. T". The way to make any Tuesday better is to have a slice of really good cake & all is right with the world again.
